Karibu sana nyumbani....welcome home very much!  These are the words we have been hearing a lot over the past week.  What a blessing it is that our family and friends in Tala remember us fondly and have welcomed us home to Kenya.  Flying in for 20+ hours and a stay in London gave us time to think about what we were embarking on.  I won't hesitate to tell you there was some anxiety on both Tammy and my parts.  For me, the anxiety dissipated the moment we saw Gideon and Pauline (the Director of Nice View and his wife) at the airport.  Right away we greeted them and immediately we were able to use the sarcastic phrase of "Karibuni Kenya" (welcome to Kenya) as the customs officials would not allow us to bring in the 1,300 pounds of stuff we brought without paying a tax (we had never been asked to pay a tax any other trip, but rules change according to the person who you are talking to).  Gideon came into the airport with me and we began to "discuss" the situation with the customs official.  In the end she said "I will be in the grave by God if I charge tax since the goods are for the watoto (children) of Kenya....fill out the correct paperwork next time"...thank you Lord!  We then began the drive to Tala (50 miles which takes 1 1/2 hours to drive).  We arrived at the compound and talked to Gideon and Pauline until 2:30 in the morning and finally went to bed in our home in Kenya. 

Making our way forward...This week has been one of reacclimating ourselves to Tala.  We have met some old friends, are meeting some new ones, have had encounters with "crazy" people (demon possessed or simply out-of-their-mind with drugs I don't know), have met the children at Nice View (only briefly), and we are expanding our 20x20 home to make it an 800 square foot dwelling right on Gideon and Pauline's compound...our home for as long as God has us working in Kenya.  We have already seen more needs than we have funds and have been told the children at Mercy will be out of food today...welcome back.  Gideon and Pauline are assisting us in making this transition again knowing this time we have come home.  There are many challenges awaiting us, but our Lord is a God of sufficiency in all things...He has all resources at His disposal and He will be faithful to complete what He has started.

We need your prayers and financial support.  The battle we face is certainly one of powers and principalities...we will not win the fight using our wits, but rather it is only through humble obedience to the Cross and embracing the Holy Spirit we will prevail.  The message of the Gospel is simple and glorious, but one which can also anger people and bring conflict.  Jesus told us we would be hated because they hated Him...we must be ready for this...this is where your prayers are necessary.  Please remember us to the Lord as you pray He is our strength and we submit to all He has in mind for His glory and the good of His people.  Also, we need your financial help.  There are many projects to complete and more to begin.  Our Board of Directors in the US is working on a shipping container project which will bring us around 11 ton of food...we simply need funds to ship it.  We have a building 2/3rd done which will allow us to assist many more children with shelter, food and education.  The bus for the Academy is shot.  The only way most of the children get to school is by that bus...we need to replace it.  Many needs I know, but a joint concerted effort can tackle them one at a time.  If you can assist us, please prayerfully consider helping in any capacity you can.  You can donate directly on the website with a debit or credit card or send a check to our address of "Saved By God's Grace, 4410 W. Union Hills Drive, #7, Glendale, AZ  85308. 

The blog is now back up and running on the website.  The internet gives Tammy challenges, but she is managing.  She is working on updating it daily (depending on internet and electricity factors) so you can take part in what we are experiencing in Kenya.  She has updates posted letting you see pictures of what is happening here on the ground and hopes to have videos running soon so you can see what is happening in video format.  By doing this we hope you will be able to literally see this adventure God has called us to through her blog...we hope you enjoy the experience with us.

Once again, asante sana (thank you very much) for all you do for this ministry to the children of Kenya and Mungu akubariki (God bless you) my friends.

Serving Him with you only by His grace,

Chuck